News Release

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Violent Male with Mental Illness Walks Away From State Hospital; Notify Police if Seen NR12071kr

UPDATE

This morning around 9 a.m., law enforcement officials apprehended Hoskins not too far from Metropolitan State Hospital, and he is being transported back to the facility.

Los Angeles: A man previously convicted of stalking and making criminal threats against singing star Madonna, has walked away from a State mental hospital and is being sought. The public is being warned to notify police immediately if he is found, and to not engage him on their own.

On February 3, 2012, 54-year-old Robert Dewey Hoskins walked away from the Metropolitan State Hospital in Norwalk. Hoskins had previously served a ten year prison sentence for stalking Madonna. Upon his release from prison Hoskins also completed a stay at Atascadero State Hospital where he was determined to be a Mentally Disturbed Offender. Within about a year of being released from Atascadero, he had an additional police contact in July 2011 that resulted in his arrest and eventually being placed in Metropolitan State Hospital through on a Civil Commitment.

Hoskins is highly psychotic when not taking his medication and has very violent tendencies. Authorities believe he may have intended to take a bus to Long Beach, Jordan Park and/or Houghton Park. A check of those areas did not produce any signs of Hoskins and he could be in the Los Angeles area.

An Apprehension and Transportation Order has been initiated by Metropolitan State Hospital.

Anyone with information about is asked to contact LAPD Missing Person Unit, Detective Charles Dempsey at 213-996-1300. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.